Gratitude! Much of it has flown out the window. So much grumbling going on. I’m glad God doesn’t strike us down as He did with the Israelites! Hmmm…I wonder. You think there are consequences today???

After having a conversation about gratitude with someone new I met, I started mulling over the idea of gratitude. Again.

We all know that negative thoughts cause adverse effects on our physical, mental, and emotional health. Part of it is stress and worry. They act as triggers causing chemical responses in the body.
Fear and unforgiveness are also part of this, but I think ungratefulness comes close to the top. An ungrateful heart is a cold, closed heart. We poison our own selves with our negative thinking and become what we think, as Solomon tells us, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Prov. 23:7 NKJV)

I googled research on gratitude and was amazed at the number of studies that have been conducted. The results were very surprising. They include…

*better sleep
*reduced stress
*fewer aches and pains
*dissolved negative effects in the brain
*reduction of aggression, less likely to retaliate
*a stronger immune system and lower blood pressure
*overcoming a victim mentality and sense of entitlement
*reduction of toxic emotions such as depression and feeling lonely
*increased well-being with higher levels of positive emotions and self-esteem
*more sympathy and empathy towards others, acting with more generosity and compassion.
*Plus others.

Praise also defeats the enemy. Without praise connecting us to God’s dwelling place (Ps. 22:3), we allow negativity to take over and the enemy to go to work.

Gratitude can be a difficult trait to cultivate. How does one express gratitude when abused, when a child is killed, when debilitation is the result of an accident, when a spouse leaves, when a devastating disease attacks, when funds are lacking for necessities?
Gratitude is based on choice, a definite decision to be grateful. Grateful that God loves us, that He forgives us, that He has given us eternal life, that He is with us. Paul said, “Let your lives overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all he has done.” (Col. 2:7b TLB)

I made a definite choice a l-o-n-g time ago to be grateful, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. I cannot stand myself now when I begin to whine, even if it’s only in my head.

I say as David said, “I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of His glories and grace.” (Ps. 34:1 TLB)

Paul’s statement is now mine, “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want.” (Phil. 4:12 TLB) This statement has taken up residence in my heart, “No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:18 TLB)
(From When Thanksgiving Gets Stuck in Your Throat)

You may be having tremendous difficulties in your life right now, but I pray you will give the Lord your praise and gratitude, revealing your trust and faith in Him. It will make a difference in your attitude. In your circumstances. And more!
What does gratitude do for you?

There once was a grumpy, old king who had riches beyond belief. Servants filled his castle. He owned the finest jewels, herds of camels and sheep, a million cattle on a million hills, and everything in between. Yet, he complained all the time. His negative attitude drove everyone crazy and made them just as grumpy as he was.

In spite of the negative atmosphere, one servant always displayed a positive attitude. He was the most important servant of all: the king’s cupbearer.

More than just a wine taster guarding against poison in the king’s cup, the cupbearer was a trusted and loyal officer of rank and importance. His position afforded him great influence and a confidential capacity, which gave him frequent access to the king’s royal presence. And the king’s ear.

The cupbearer loved serving his king with a cheerful outlook. Not just a surface, ingratiating attitude but a genuine attitude of appreciation and thankfulness. His positive viewpoint contradicted the distressing circumstances and lack in his life.

Every night, the king went through the same routine. He sipped his cup of wine and said to the cupbearer, “There’s something wrong with this wine. It’s sour. Didn’t you taste this first? Bring me another.”

“Yes, your majesty. The wine tastes sweet and pleasant to me, but I shall bring you another.” The cupbearer would disappear and return – with the same cup.

The king repeated this scenario several times each night. Though the wine tasted sweet and pleasant, the king still complained.

The cupbearer continued to bring the cup of wine after each complaint until the king stopped paying attention and no longer asked for another. Though he endured the king’s gripes, the cupbearer remained optimistic and always found a chance to whisper encouraging words to the king, which he ignored.

One night, during one of these episodes, the cupbearer leaned over and whispered something in the king’s ear. The king turned and stared at the cupbearer for a moment and finally said, “What makes you so congenial?”

“That’s easy, my king. I’m grateful for all I have, especially for my position to serve you. Each day, I have a choice to live with a cheerful or a pessimistic attitude. A positive attitude makes my days taste as sweet and pleasant as your wine.”

From that night on, the king started to change his attitude, which altered the attitude of everyone else around him. The king was a much happier king after that. So were his servants. And his wine tasted better.Our heavenly King is the complete opposite of this king, of course. Our King has appointed each of us as an officer in His household, considering us a trusted servant, that we may “Serve the Lord with gladness; [and] come before His presence with singing.” (Ps. 100:2 NKJV)

He gives us free will to make choices every day, and one of the most important decisions is our choice of attitudes.

When handed a cup of distasteful circumstances, what is our attitude? Are we negative and complaining or positive and thankful? When situations go haywire, when plans get sidetracked by daily events or emergencies, do we remain positive or get grumpy? When we lack the necessities of life, do we complain or still praise the Lord?

Your attitude will make or break your day. It’s your choice. Allow the Spirit to “renew your thoughts and attitudes” (Eph. 4:23 NLT), and the wine of life will be sweet and pleasant.

Remember: you have the King’s ear. Don’t grumble in it!

“For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink,

but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

The Christmas music from my cable network caught my attention. Silent Night. As I sat on the couch wondering how to decorate my mantel this year.

A trio of songs from Henry Mancini played, Silent Night/O Holy Night/O Little Town of Bethlehem. The beautiful instrumental music played, and then, the choir began to sing. My heart, overwhelmed with this year’s circumstances, triggered the tears, as they welled up and streamed down my cheeks.

They flowed, not only because of circumstances, but also because I love the Lord and Silent Night. My eyes focused on a choirboy statue on my hearth. I’ve had him for years but packed away. He was shiny gold. However, I’m not a shiny gold person. So, last year, I decided to paint him white. Now, I love him!

As I sat, motionless, listening to the choir sing O Holy Night, I noticed the choirboy’s uplifted arms. It was as if he were singing with them, his mouth shaped in a permanent O.

My heart was so pensive, the words just poured out…

Oh, Lord, if my hands could always be raised in thanksgiving to You. I do try. If my mouth could be in a permanent O of praise to You and never again utter a negative syllable. Yes, You know I try.

Such a prayer, Lord, is in my heart. May I always worship You as the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Prince of Peace. May my uplifted arms always bring tears to my eyes, tears spilling over from a grateful heart, tears flowing from a heart filled with love for You, tears of sadness for a world that does not know You. And yet, tears of joy that I do know Your magnificent forgiveness and salvation. Amen!

Dust particles stick in his nostrils and his throat, causing a constant cough. Dirt, imperceptible to him, accumulates between his toes and under his fingernails.

His garment looks like an old, shabby rag, needing a good washing and mending. Why? Because he sits in the dirt on the side of the road.

Darkness surrounds him, even in the hot, noonday sun. He is blind. He is a beggar.

Bartimaeus is his name, but he is usually called more unpleasant things.

He begs for coins, any coins, just to buy some bread.An occasional mite plinks in his meager cup. Gratefulness is always offered to his benefactor.

People pass by. Their gestures and stifled laughs go undetected. If he could see them, they would be a rushing blur of avoidance.

Hunched over with dejection, he sits in the grime, day after day, his soul shriveling a little more with each sundown.

“Alms? Alms for the poor?” he cries out each morning, awaiting a response. His voice slowly grows softer by evening, as a sea of discouragement drowns his plea. What’s that sound? cupping his hand to his ear. It’s growing louder and closer. He’s puzzled. “What is that commotion?” he asks someone nearby.

“It’s Jesus, Jesus of Nazareth passing by.” Jesus? I know that name. The One in the prophecies. They say He’ll rule from the throne of David. Isn’t He the One I hear Who heals? I need to…

“JE-SUS,” he yells. “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

“Shhh! Be quiet!” some reprimand him.

But their stern warnings only spur him to cry louder, “SON OF DAVID! HAVE MERCY ON ME!”

The footsteps halt. What’s happening?

“Bring him to me,” commands the authoritative voice.

“Be of good cheer!” the men say. “Take courage! Get up! Jesus is calling you.” Strong hands grip his arms but Bartimaeus jumps up. Yanking off his old, pauper’s garment, he throws it aside. He walks definitely in Jesus’ direction.

“What do you desire Me to do for you?” asks Jesus.Can this be true? I stand before Jesus? “Please, Rabboni!” he begs, for he knows no other way. Four small words loom large in his heart and catapult off the end of his tongue, “I want to see!”

“Receive your sight; it is given to you, for your faith has saved you,” declares Jesus.

Immediately, the familiar darkness dissipates and unfamiliar light fills his eyes. Shielding his eyes from the brilliance of the sun, what does he see? Jesus! Before him stands a crownless King with gentle, loving eyes, crinkled up in pleasure.

He falls to his knees in gratitude. Gratefulness is an understatement! With a myriad of visuals before him, a rush of exhilaration then triggers unrestrained jumping.

“I can see! I can see! Thank You, Lord! Thank You!” All those in the entourage rejoice in praise with him.

He “saw” his chance and he seized it. His darkness dissipated. And the Light of the world flooded his heart and soul.

He left his squatter’s residence, his beggar’s perch. Never to return. For from that day, he became a companion of Jesus, following Him on His journey.

I once was blind. I sat in the dirt on the side of the world, my filthy, old garment needing to be cleansed, my life needing to be mended. Darkness surrounded me. I was a beggar of life. My soul shriveled a little more with each sundown.

Then, Jesus of Nazareth passed by one day. Standing before Him, I heard Him say, “What do you desire Me to do for you?”

After falling to my knees in gratitude, I yanked off my dirty rag of unrighteousness and threw it aside. I received my sight and the robe of righteousness. The darkness dissipated; His Light filled my heart and soul.

And His eyes crinkled up with pleasure.

Unrestrained gratefulness is the order of every day. I can see! I can see! Thank You, Lord! Thank You!

I am His companion. I follow Him, day after day, glorifying Him and giving Him praise.

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